This is how Nielsen reacted to a message from US President Donald Trump in Truth Social, in which he, criticizing NATO, called the Arctic island a “poorly managed piece of ice.”
“NATO wasn't there when we needed them and they won't be there if we need them again. Remember Greenland – that big, poorly managed piece of ice,” Trump wrote.
The Prime Minister of Greenland emphasized that the island is “not some piece of ice.” He noted that 57,000 Greenlanders work every day as “good citizens of the world with full respect for all allies.”
Nielsen also said he doesn't see Trump's desire to “take or control Greenland off the table.”
In addition, he emphasized the importance of preserving NATO. “All of this is being tested now, and I think all allies must come together to try to preserve this,” he said.
Context
Trump has repeatedly repeated that the United States must gain control of Greenland, otherwise it will allegedly be captured by China and the Russian Federation. He also said that the US could use military force to take over Greenland.
Against the backdrop of statements by the American president, a number of countries, including Denmark, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Finland, sent military personnel to Greenland for reconnaissance purposes in preparation for military exercises. The media wrote that Danish troops were ready for battle in the event of a US attack on Greenland.
On January 21, the FT wrote that Republicans in Congress may prohibit Trump from attacking Greenland. Republican House of Representatives member Don Bacon noted that Trump's attempt to seize Greenland would be “the end of his presidency.”
The media reported that Denmark could grant the United States “sovereignty over small areas” of Greenland for the construction of American military bases.
